Compact Aperture Backup Sights with Centering Post and Windage Detent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firearm sights suffer from misalignment issues due to thread tolerances, lateral shifts in aperture mechanisms, and bulkiness of detent mechanisms, affecting stability, precision, and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A sighting system with a diamond-shaped aperture and single detent for the front sight post, and a paddle-like aperture mechanism with a center threaded nut for the rear sight, along with a compact windage detent using a ring-shaped leaf spring, to enhance stability, alignment, and aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional thread-fitment is used for sight post mounting, then ease of manufacture is improved, but alignment precision deteriorates due to insufficient tolerance control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional threaded mechanical mounting system with a friction-fit system using a tapered bore and conical surface. This substitution eliminates thread tolerance issues while maintaining ease of assembly through simple insertion and friction locking, achieving both manufacturing simplicity and high alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the mounting interface by introducing a tapered bore with specific angle ranges (5-15 degrees) and friction coefficients (0.1-0.5). These parameter changes transform the mounting mechanism from thread-based to friction-based, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and alignment precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If L-shaped aperture housing is used with 90° rotation, then aperture selection function is improved, but lateral shift increases causing aiming point inconsistency
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating the aperture housing 90° as in traditional designs, the patent inverts the approach by using a 180° rotation mechanism with a centered aperture. This inversion eliminates the lateral shift problem while maintaining the ability to switch between aperture sizes, achieving both functional versatility and aiming point consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces asymmetry in the aperture selection mechanism through a偏心 (eccentric) rotation system where the aperture is offset from the center of rotation. This asymmetric design allows for 180° rotation between aperture positions while maintaining consistent aiming points, resolving the contradiction between aperture selection functionality and aiming precision.
3Volume of moving object
If nested apertures are used to reduce stowed size, then device compactness is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to damage susceptibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the aperture mechanism into separate, independent aperture holes that can be selectively activated rather than nested within each other. This segmentation allows each aperture to be independently protected while maintaining compactness, resolving the contradiction between small stowed size and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a preliminary protective mechanism where the aperture housing is designed with built-in protection against damage during stowed position. The structural design anticipates potential damage scenarios and incorporates protective features, thereby maintaining reliability while achieving compactness.
4Ease of operation
If separate spring and detent mechanism are used for windage adjustment, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases causing bulkiness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the spring and detent mechanisms into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate parts. This consolidation maintains the ease of operation through tactile feedback while significantly reducing device complexity and bulkiness, directly resolving the technical contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal detent mechanism that combines multiple functions within a single component: providing tactile feedback, maintaining position, and enabling adjustment. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate spring and detent parts, reducing complexity while preserving operational ease.
Data Source
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AI summary
A sighting system for a firearm and related methods are disclosed. The sighting system has front and rear flip-up sights, wherein the front sight comprises a flip-up portion having an aperture through which a sight post can partially extend; a knob comprising one or more notches on a first side and the sight post extending from a second side; at least one detent arranged to face and interact with the one or more notches. The knob is configured to rotate about a first axis, where the rotation causes the sight post to move in a first direction along the first axis; tilting of the knob in a second direction based on the detent interfacing with the notches; and tilting of the sight post in the second direction, thereby forcing at least a portion of the sight post to press against the aperture, or a combination thereof.